Shan Masood, the captain of Pakistan during Tests, took issue with pacer Naseem Shah’s remarks on an existing communication barrier.
Fast bowler and teammate Naseem Shah claimed that there is a language barrier between the squad and foreign coaches. However, Shan Masood, the captain of Pakistan during Test matches, disagreed. Prior to the two-Test series against Bangladesh, former Australian cricketer Jason Gillespie was appointed as Pakistan’s new red ball head coach. Naseem had previously stated that players find it difficult to communicate with a foreign coach. Masood, on the other hand, strongly disagreed with Naseem’s assertion, asserting that Pakistan has improved greatly in that area.
Naseem Shah had previously stated, “Foreign coaches have a linguistic barrier. Someone needs to translate the words for us. According to Cricket Pakistan, “it is easier to communicate with the coach in your own language.”
Masood has since disagreed with it, though. Masood said that there was never a communication breakdown by bringing up the period when Mickey Arthur, an Australian-South African, was the head coach. Gary Kirsten, a former India coach, is presently coaching Pakistan in limited overs cricket.
“I believe that the communication gap has closed. We’ve all spent a great deal of time in various changing rooms. In Mickey’s day, there have been foreign coaches previously. Mickey has made two visits. Various foreign assistance coaches have arrived, Masood stated, as reported by Cricket Pakistan as well.
Mickey Arthur led Pakistan from 2016 to 2019; during that time, the team won the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy after defeating India in the championship match.
Masood made the observation that foreign nationals also make up Pakistan’s backroom crew.
“Even our physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coach, and support staff are foreign nationals. I believe that the boys have chosen a lot throughout the years, participated in a variety of leagues, and owned teams. In the past, a few individuals have even traveled to England to play club cricket,” he continued.
On August 21, Pakistan will play the first of two Test matches against Bangladesh. In the World Test Championship (WTC) standings for the 2023–25 cycle, they are presently ranked sixth.
